Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., is heading to Iowa again this weekend, making it his 10th visit since President Trump took office to the state seen as a key stop for presidential hopefuls.
The House Intelligence Committee member and Trump critic has increased his profile since 2017 by making frequent appearances on cable television networks to discuss the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
He appeared on national television 282 times last year, his office told the Mercury News, a big jump from just 28 in 2016. He’s made 233 appearances so far in 2018.
The publication said Swalwell has received a slew of invitations to attend fundraising dinners, picnics, and events at universities in the state. He also plans to campaign with three Iowa congressional candidates as well as state legislative candidates. This weekend, he’s expected to be at the Iowa State Fair.
The 37-year-old, who was born in Iowa, is focused on helping his party regain the House majority in the 2018 midterm elections, he told the Mercury News.
“If people are interested in changing the direction of the country, Iowa is the battleground,” he said.
He said he’s not ruling out a presidential run in 2020.
“Right now, my focus is to win at home, earn my way back to Washington to represent my constituents, help other candidates win so we can change the country, and then, I’ll make decisions after November about my future,” Swalwell said.
